Size matters – especially when it comes to fisheries management.
A new collaborative project SMILE (Size Matters: Innovative Length Estimates) is now underway in the Florida Keys to help collect information about fish lengths. These data are critical for fisheries stock assessments, which are used to manage ecologically and economically important marine species. Funded through NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP), the SMILE project involves volunteer divers, innovative underwater camera technology, and the expansion of a citizen science approach to collect length data for reef fish in the South Atlantic.
VIDEO of SMILE in Action
The SMILE project team includes scientist from REEF, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s (SAFMC) Citizen Science Program, the Semmens Lab at Scripps Institution of Oceanagraphy, Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA), Axiom Data Science and University of California San Diego (UCSD) Engineers for Exploration, (E4E). The SMILE project will incorporate diver-collected fish length data, through the use of affordable user-friendly camera/laser technology, as a companion to the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project.
Fish length data traditionally require a fish in-hand to make measurements, and it can be difficult for scientists to collect this information. By leveraging trained REEF citizen scientist divers, this collaboration will provide valuable fish length data for fisheries stock assessments and ecosystem-based management.
Citizen science programs, such as the REEF VFSP and the SMILE project, empower the public to generate monitoring data and promote active participation in resource management science. Divers and snorkelers are in a unique position, as they can serve as ‘the eyes of scientists’ in marine ecosystems by reporting their findings.
We are field testing the affordable, user-friendly camera and methodology in the Florida Keys, on REEF Survey Trips and during the Grouper Moon Project. Economically important species including large bodied groupers and snappers and hogfish as well as ecologically important species of parrotfish are being measured. Through the funding support of NOAA CRCP, the partnership between REEF, SAFMC’s Citizen Science Program, SECOORA, Scripps Oceanography, UCSD and Axiom Data Science will bring new data sources into stock and ecosystem assessment processes and increase communication to the dive community about fisheries management issues.
How can you help?
Take Our Survey - No Experience Necessary!
We want to hear from you! Join us in shaping REEFs exciting SMILE project designed to empower divers and snorkelers like you to contribute valuable data to fisheries stock assessments. REEF is working with social scientists at Colorada State University and FWC to analyze the results.
Why is your feedback important to our success?
Through our quick online survey (<15 mins) you will share your insights, interests, and thoughts on the project (no previous experience necessary). You'll also get to tell us about your fish ID skills, dive experience, and what inspires—or holds you back—from participating in conservation projects.
Your input is crucial to improving this project and understanding what motivates citizen scientists. Together, we can make a difference!
Bonus! As a thank-you, you'll be entered into a raffle to win a REEF shirt of your choice.
Participate on research and SMILE workshop dives in 2025 in the Florida Keys
Help us test out the cameras and methods during charter dives in the Florida Keys.
The dives are free for participants (supported through the grant).
Divers with an Advanced Open Water Certificate with a minimum of 50 dives are invited to join us in developing this important program.
Upcoming Dives
SMILE cameras will on some of REEF's 2025 Field Trips for use, including
Please contact smile@REEF.org for more information.
Volunteers needed for AI training!
Sign up HERE to partipate online and contribute to marine conservation from the comfort of your couch!
The SMILE project is funded through NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP), Funding Award #FNA22NMF4410182. Project partners include South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s (SAFMC) Citizen Science Program, Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA), Axiom Data Science, Scripps Institution of Oceanography Semmens Lab, University of California San Diego (UCSD) Engineers for Exploration, (E4E), UCSD Kastner Research Lab and The Nature Conservancy California. Field testing of the technology was also funded in part by a grant from the nonprofit Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida (FWFF) via proceeds from the ‘Discover Florida’s Oceans’ license plate.
Participants volunteering on the stakeholder panel represent the following organizations, Natural Analytics, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and REEF citizen science divers.
The project camera systems have been supported by a generous discount provide through Backscatter Underwater Video and Photo.
Interested in providing additional support towards the project? Please contact smile@REEF.org
The collection of SMILE information is authorized under the OMB Control Number included in the Citizen Science & Crowdsourcing Information Collection page.
